Creative Introduces High Performance Sound Blaster X5 USB DAC and Amplifier

With the launch of the new Sound Blaster X5, a desktop USB DAC and amplifier design, Creative targets the more demanding requirements of music enthusiasts looking for a companion interface to their music streaming sources, with enough power to match the most demanding headphones. Using class-leading components, latest audio technologies, and comprehensive connectivity options, the Creative Sound Blaster X5 is a compelling audio solution that sets a new standard in the range.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary as one of the world's foremost manufacturers of high-fidelity audio products, Audio-Technica announced the introduction of its ATH-WB2022 wireless wooden headphones. The limited-edition ATH-WB2022, crafted from layered woods, is touted as the finest Bluetooth headphone ever created by Audio-Technica. The ATH-WB2022 supports up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution music listening, and features the world’s first completely balanced audio output system for wireless headphones.

Rotel announced new upgraded MKII versions of two of the companies stereo preamplifiers with the launch of the RC-1590MKII and RC-1572MKII. Both models feature a host of acoustic and performance upgrades with each acoustic circuit having been critically analyzed and significantly improved by leveraging technologies engineered for the award winning Michi series. Both feature a Texas Instruments premium 32-bit/384kHz digital to analog converter (DAC) stage.

Increasing the options for those wanting to upgrade their music source options for high-quality headphones, Naim Audio has launched Uniti Atom Headphone Edition – a headphone-optimized version of its original Uniti Atom music streaming system. Unlike traditional headphone amplifiers and DACs, which require a separate computer or streaming device, the new Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a fully formed music-streaming system: just add headphones.

Unveiled officially at the CES 2020 show, the all-new Philips Fidelio X3 headphones will be finally shipping, with most online retailers announcing availability for end of August 2020. The Fidelio X3 headphones are a high-end, Hi-Res Audio certified design that is intended to please the most demanding music enthusiasts, while still keeping within an affordable price range. The Philips Fidelio X3 headphones will certainly impress with a combination of comfortable materials and build quality.

iFi announced a new model to its already extensive range of portable DAC/headphone amps with an all-new design – the Hip-DAC. Looking conveniently like a pocket flask, the new portable device features an extruded aluminum enclosure with a distinct petrol blue finish and a touch of copper, offering an extensive set of specifications to support high resolution audio (HRA) sources, while keeping an affordable price tag at just $149 USD or €159 Euros.

When Sony introduced its new flagship Signature Series MDR-Z1R headphones, it received mixed reviews from precisely the user communities that it targeted, considering its hefty price tag that placed it in direct competition with Audeze, MRSpeakers, HiFiMan or Stax. Already announced in Asia and more recently at IFA in Europe, the new Sony MDR-Z7M2 premium headphones inherited core technology from the MDR-Z1R, uses new 70mm drivers, keeps the comfortable design, and retails at a much more affordable price.

During IFA 2018, Sony expanded its audio catalog with several new top of the range products in its Signature Series. Deserving all the possible attention are the new IER-Z1R in-ear headphones and DMP-Z1 digital music player. These products harness decades of audio expertise, proudly showcasing Sony’s relentless lifetime pursuit for excellence, which they often miss. These new Signature Series products are ambitious, expensive and will certainly please a very specific crowd devoted to Hi-Res Audio and DSD file collecting.